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YORK — Retired Staff Sgt. Woodrow Slate joined the Army in 2000 thinking he would make a career out of it. "We were definitely lifers," said the Newport News native, who most know as Woody. That all changed in 2004. After suffering several serious injuries during dives in the Euphrates and Tigris rivers in Iraq, Slate developed a severe case of compartment syndrome, which occurs when excessive pressure builds up in the body cutting off circulation. Since then he has undergone more than 40 surgeries. But in the end, he lost of both of his lower legs. Slate, his wife Sandra and their three children — Lane, 15; Kyle, 13; and Christy, 11 — live in a small...

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YORK — Retired Staff Sgt. Woodrow Slate joined the Army in 2000 thinking he would make a career out of it.
"We were definitely lifers," said the Newport News native, who most know as Woody.
That all changed in 2004.
After suffering several...

If you're counting, it's 29 days until you get to ride Tempesto, the new roller coaster at Busch Gardens.
But while you're waiting, there's no reason you can't experience the rest of the park's rides and attractions. The Williamsburg-area theme park...

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is kicking off its 40th season with a free single-day admission offer to anyone born in 1975.
"Don't forget March 27 – March 29, 2015 anyone born in 1975 can receive FREE single-day admission into the park to...

Busch Gardens, the Williamsburg-area theme park, will not be doing any concerts this year.
The news comes as a mild disappointment. The park generally brings in a half-dozen or more shows, and the schedule usually includes a mix of...

Conjuring the lore of great Italian daredevils, Larry Giles painted a mental picture Saturday of Busch Gardens' forthcoming coaster, "Tempesto," for about 1,000 season pass holders gathered in an amphitheater in the San Marco section of the...

In his latest book, retired educator Joseph Freitus provides a thorough briefing to those not aware of how vital Tidewater Virginia was to World War II efforts.
His "Virginia in the War Years: Military Bases, the U-Boat War and Daily Life"...

Busch Gardens is, once again, offering its discount two-park pass, offering unlimited admission to both Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA for the price of a single-day admission ticket.
For $75, the 2015 price tag on a single-day...

Legislators are accepting fewer freebies, the Virginia Public Access Project reports, and Shad Plank’s look at what Peninsula legislators receive shows the value reported is also way down.
The biggest drop reported is from Senate Majority Leader Tommy...

The Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center living-history museums' admission revenue was down 2.5 percent in 2014 compared to 2013. Admission revenue amounted to $5,026,279 in 2014.
"The overall decline in visitation was mitigated by an...

Scott Gasparich, vice president of entertainment at Busch Gardens, sums up the park's annual Christmas Town attraction in two words: "Absolute joy."
Of course, given the opportunity, he expands and uses more than two words.
"We feel a...

Move over Black Friday, Cyber Monday may be taking your place.
Although Black Friday deals get all of the hype — and most of those start on Thursday — Cyber Monday accounted for 42 percent of the overall sales during the Thanksgiving shopping weekend...

Gifts have taken Virginia legislators far afield in recent years — to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, to Paris and even to Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan.
The last two were courtesy of Virginia Uranium, which has been working for seven...

Here is a list of holiday events around the Hampton Roads area. It will be updated regularly.
NEWPORT NEWS
Thursday, Nov. 27-Jan. 1: Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park, 13560 Jefferson Avenue, opens on Thanksgiving and runs through New Year's...

As 2014 winds to an end, it's time to test your memory and see if you were paying attention to the passing parade of pop culture.
See how you do.
Challenge your friends.
And always pay attention to pop culture. (To take the quiz interactively, click...

Young shooting phenom Sarah Osborn of Hampton has earned a ticket to the World Cup season opener in Changwon, South Korea, in early April.
Osborn, 15, will be representing USA Shooting in the women's 10-meter air rifle competition. It will be her first...

While J.C. Penney prepares to open at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, and Kohl's and Macy's plan to open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving for the Black Friday rush, small retailers are making plans of their own.
During the 2013 holiday season, 45 million people...

Looking for some fun in Hampton Roads this weekend? Here's a quick look at some of your entertainment options.
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is opening its annual Christmas Town. It features new shows, special events and spectacular light displays....

Halloween falls on a Friday this year, and there’s no Halloween like a Friday Halloween.
But for some folks, Halloween isn’t one night – it’s a full season.
Here’s a look at some of the places you can visit in Hampton Roads, whether you’re...

Busch Gardens is offering several coupons for discounts on Howl-O-Scream tickets.
Visitors can find coupons for $5 off admission ($10 off if tickets are purchased online) at Wendy's locations and through Papa John's.
Regular admissions costs...